Data Modeling
Data modeling is the most basic and initial step of setting up information sharing, if you’re starting from scratch. Data modeling starts with definitions of concepts/vocabulary, and then sets up the relationships between those concepts with diagrams.
Data modeling is background work which needs to occur, so that everyone involved is on the same page, and clear about what the vocabulary involved means and concepts are related. Without good data modeling as a first step, or as preexisting groundwork, the resulting exchanges can be interpreted in different ways, causing incompatibilities.